Big game hunters will find numerous rewards with our generous elk and deer populations hosting an estimated 45,000 elk and 80,000 deer within our summer inventory. Our forest rangers offer hundreds of group tours and interpretive presentations throughout the year at our local schools, on the trail, in our campgrounds, and on location at our three visitor centers.

There are 352,917 acres of National Forest land within the Blanco District boundaries. Blanco is responsible for management of the historic Flat Tops Wilderness, which encompasses approximately 235,406 acres. District elevation ranges from 6,500 to 12,000.

The Blanco Ranger District provides access to a wide range of recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking and backpacking.There are nine improved campgrounds, picnic facilities and an abundance of well marked trailheads for access to backcountry and wilderness. The area is well known for outstanding hunting in one of the largest elk herds in North America.

Located in the beautiful summit county. There are four ski resorts in the area and a nordic center as well as multiple opportunities for hiking, biking, camping and finding solitude. For whitewater enthusiasts rafting and kayaking may be enjoyed at several sites in the area.

The Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District lies between the Gore Range, the Sawatch Range, and the Flat Tops, and includes the forest areas surrounding the towns of Vail, Avon, Red Cliff, Eagle, Gypsum, and Dotsero. Recreation opportunities abound on the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District.

The SE Flat Tops Area is north of Dotsero and I-70, and is primarily accessed by Forest Service Roads heading northwest off of the Colorado River Road between Dotsero and Burns. This area is part of the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District.

The eastern portion of the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District surrounding the towns of Vail, Avon, and Redcliff, including the east side of the Holy Cross Wilderness and the west side of the Eagles Nest Wilderness.

The Rifle Ranger District is rich with cultural history and amazing outdoor recreational opportunities. This area is near Flat Tops Wilderness which offers opportunities for solitude.

Hunting, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, ohv experiences, picnicking, hiking and driving for pleasure are a few of the activities the district has to offer with plenty of areas for dispersed camping. Winter brings snow and a variety of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobile trails with it.

Glenwood Springs is a good starting point for excursions into the southeastern Flat Tops, Glenwood Canyon, and the Roaring Fork Valley. From Glenwood Springs, users can access miles of motorized and non-motorized trails, all of which lead into rugged and scenic parts of the White River National Forest. Nearby attractions include Grizzly and No Name Creek Canyons, the Transfer Trail OHV/4WD route, Mitchell Creek Trail, the Fourmile Park area, and Sunlight Mountain Resort.

The Glenwood Springs area includes trails that are open to foot, horse, bicycle, and motorized use (check travel rules on individual trails before heading out). This area features numerous creeks and lakes, many of which provide good fishing opportunities. During the winter months, this area is a great place for snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Other recreation opportunities include dispersed camping, big game hunting, and wildlife viewing.

The Rifle area includes several attractions within a 30 to 45 minute drive of the City of Rifle. To the north of I-70, visitors can spend the afternoon at the Spruce Picnic Area, take a hike on the Three Forks Trail, or enjoy a weekend at Coulter Lake Guest Ranch. This area also provides access to Coulter Mesa, which features miles of motorized routes through aspen stands and open meadows.

To the south of I-70, visitors can explore the Beaver Creek Trail, the Mamm Creek Drainage, and the eastern part of the Battlement Mesa. Good hunting and dispersed camping opportunities are available on both sides of I-70.

All services, including food, gas, and lodging, are available in the City of Rifle.

Access roads into this part of the Forest are typically suitable for all highway legal passenger vehicles. The major exception is Little Box Road (FR-825) northeast of Coulter Lake, which should only be attempted by high-clearance vehicles. Please refer to the Rifle Ranger District’s summer and winter Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) for detailed information on motorized access routes. MVUM s are available for free at the Rifle Ranger District office.